Program Overview

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Geography: Physical Geography Emphasis

Overview

Get to know the intricacies of our planet's physical environment to unlock solutions for many of the key challenges the world faces today. Geographers study Earth's features, but with a strong appreciation for the human-environment relations that shape and are shaped by the distributions of these features across the landscape. Physical geography takes a scientific approach to understanding Earth's physical environment. The Bachelor of Science in Geography with a Physical Geography emphasis provides rigorous training in Earth and environmental science, emphasizing quantitative and scientific approaches to studying the physical environment. Students are encouraged to pursue internships and have access to research opportunities at renowned facilities and organizations, including Biosphere 2, Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research and the Water Resources Research Center.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of core principles of physical geography in climatology, biogeography, landscapes, and/or water resources
• Exhibit ability to develop research questions, critically understand data sources & bias, integrate scholarly literature, & conduct research using primary and/or secondary source material
• Demonstrate ability to create, refine, and interpret graphical data to compare/contrast spatial patterns & structures
• Recognize the key factors influencing global and regional climate in the past, present, and future
• Identify and utilize appropriate geography methods to provide a systematic framework for examining environmental and social problems and apprehend their roles, individual and collective
• Demonstrate ability to engage in independent high-order critical thinking and synthesize, process, & present geographic concepts, methodologies, & applications in oral, written, & visual forms

Program Details

Sample Courses

• GEOG 220: Our Diverse Biosphere
• GEOG 457: Statistical Techniques in Geography, Regional Development and Planning
• GEOG 490: Remote Sensing for the Study of Planet Earth

Career Fields

• Academia
• Nature conservation
• Field research
• Urban development
• Consulting

Level of Math

Moderate Knowledge

The M-strand is for students who require mathematical facility at the level of at least MATH 112 (College Algebra Concepts) or 108 (Modeling with Algebraic and Trigonometric Functions). This strand involves reasonable facility with algebra and algebraic functions, graphs, and simple modeling. Students who choose the M-strand are prepared for further mathematical work. This work may include MATH 107 (Exploring and Understanding Data), MATH 113 (Elements of Calculus), MATH 116 (Calculus Concepts for Business), MATH 119A (Mathematics of Biological Systems: A Calculus Based Approach), or a statistics class from outside the Mathematics Department, such as ISTA 116 (Statistical Foundations for the Information Age) or SBS 200 (Statistics for the Social Sciences).

Level of Second Language

2nd Semester Proficiency

Second-semester skill level in a second language is required. Non-B.A. degree students may fulfill this requirement with one of the following options: 1. Scoring the equivalent of second-semester skill level on an entrance or placement examination administered by The University of Arizona. 2. Completion with a C or better of a second semester course at the post-secondary level. 3. An AP (Advanced Placement), IB (International Baccalaureate) or CLEP (College Level Entrance Program) language score determined by the individual language department. 4. In the College of Engineering by a method determined within the College; however, all students in the college must also take a language placement examination on entrance to the University.

Pre-major Required?

No

This Major's College

College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Sample Plans

2025, Geography: Physical Geography Emphasis

• 4-Year Sample Plan
• Map Transfer Coursework
• Plan Ahead with a Transfer Pathway

First Year

• 1st Semester
  • ENGL 101 First-Year Composition
  • Foundation Mathematics
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Second Language
  • Introduction to the General Education Experience (Entry Course)
• 2nd Semester
  • ENGL 102 First-Year Composition
  • GEOG 222
  • Introduction to Human Geography
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Second Language

Second Year

• 3rd Semester
  • GEOG 220 Our Dynamic Biosphere
  • GEOG 417 Geographic Info Systems
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
• 4th Semester
  • GEOG 230: Our Changing Climate
  • Major Methods
  • Geography Department Elective
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • General Education Portfolio (Exit Course)

Third Year

• 5th Semester
  • GEOG 303 Field Studies
  • PHG Coursework
  • GE Core: Exploring Perspectives or Building Connections
  • Minor
  • Elective
• 6th Semester
  • Major Methods
  • PHG Coursework
  • Minor
  • Elective
  • Elective

Fourth Year

• 7th Semester
  • PHG Coursework
  • Minor
  • Minor
  • Elective
  • Elective
• 8th Semester
  • PHG Coursework
  • Minor
  • Minor
  • Elective
  • Elective

Map Transfer Coursework

Enter your coursework from Arizona universities or community colleges to see how they can map to this major.

Connect with The University of Arizona Academic Advisors to validate how your coursework will transfer.

About the Transfer Mapping Categories

Maps to One Requirement

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to one requirement for this major.

Can Map in Multiple Ways

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that maps to more than one requirement for this major. This means that the transfer course could meet any of the matching requirements but does not mean it fulfills all matching requirements.

Ask an Advisor

A transfer course with this designation matches a UAZ course that has not yet been mapped to a requirement for this major, or it means that the transfer course was input incorrectly.

Pathways

See the pathway agreement in place between Arizona in-state community colleges and The University of Arizona.

To see a pathway, select an Arizona college: Select an Arizona community college

Pathways are designed for in-state transfer students who plan to attend The University of Arizona. Please use this information for reference only. To develop an individualized plan for transfer, work with your community colleges and The University of Arizona Academic Advisors.

All Pathways have accurate course equivalencies but may not include all possible requirements and are subject to change at any time. All posted Pathways (except Bachelor of Applied Science Pathways) fulfill an AGEC and most also fulfill an Associate Degree. Following a Pathway does not guarantee admission to The University of Arizona or to a specific UArizona college, major, or program.

To learn more about AGECs and transferring within Arizona, visit aztransfer.com.